Sudan: Clashes reported amid general strike June 9 /update 88

Event

Several casualties were reported in Khartoum on Sunday, June 9, as security forces fired tear gas and live rounds at opposition supporters amid a nationwide general strike and associated demonstrations. Local sources report that at least one person was killed in Bahari district (Khartoum North), where protesters erected makeshift barricades to block roads. The opposition Sudanese Professionals Association (SPA) claimed that government forces had threatened workers to ignore calls for a strike, arresting dozens of bank, airport, and electricity workers ahead of the work stoppage. 

Continued protests and sit-in demonstrations, notably in the capital Khartoum and its twin city Omdurman, are to be anticipated over the coming hours and days as opposition groups call for an indefinite period of civil disobedience. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

As of Sunday afternoon (local time), limited flight operations have been reported Khartoum International Airport (KRT); multiple airlines have canceled flights to KRT following the renewed violence. Internet and mobile data services have been blocked in various parts of the country by major Sudanese providers in recent days, with service blockages likely to continue over the near term.

Further disruptions to transportation (e.g. flight delays and cancelations), internet service, and business are to be expected in Khartoum and other urban areas in Sudan over the coming days and weeks. Additional opposition demonstrations over the near term may devolve into violent clashes with security forces.

Context

Sudanese security and affiliated militia forces violently dispersed a sit-in demonstration outside the Defense Ministry in Khartoum on June 3. Opposition-linked medics claimed that the death toll from the June 3 security operation had risen to 108, while the government announced 61 deaths. The updated figures come as Sudan's political opposition rejected the ruling Transitional Military Council's offer to resume talks amid growing international criticism of the regime over the killings.

President Omar al-Bashir was removed from office on April 11 following a military coup. The military then dissolved the government, suspended the constitution, and announced it would rule the country for two years in a transitional government - known as the Transitional Military Council (TMC) - after which time fresh presidential elections would be held. Sit-in demonstrations have continued in Khartoum as activists demand increased civilian participation in negotiations.

A three-month state of emergency remains in place and Sudanese border crossings have been closed until further notice. The US State Department issued a notice on April 11 calling for all non-emergency government employees to evacuate from Sudan as a precaution. The UN also announced on June 5 that it would temporarily relocate non-program-critical staff from Sudan while continuing operations in the country. American and British diplomatic authorities have also warned their citizens to refrain from travel to the country until further notice. On June 6, the African Union (AU) suspended Sudan from the organization until a civilian rule is established.

Advice

Individuals in Sudan, and particularly those in Khartoum and Omdurman, are advised to closely monitor the situation, anticipate additional security operations and significant transportation and business disruptions, refrain from nonessential movement, and avoid all protests and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.